Sam Fender has handed over the full amount of his £25k Mercury Prize prize money to the MVT, which functions to save the UK's independent music venues.
He was presented with the prize on 16 October as his new release his work was declared the outstanding release of the previous year.
He has chosen to hand the money over to the MVT, in recognition of the crucial part grassroots venues fulfilled in his initial steps.
"I personally couldn't be pursuing what I am doing today if it weren't for all the gigs I played around the North East, and beyond, when I was starting out," said Fender. "These spaces are renowned, but they are in difficulty."
From early 2023 onward, at least 150 of these venues have shut down – approximately one-sixth of the whole industry in the UK.
Over the past year, well-known musicians such as Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the trust in its attempts to help venues survive, by adding a small levy to their ticket prices, which goes to help smaller concert halls.
Fender also took part, generating in excess of £100,000 on his live tour to assist thirty-eight small stages across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The money assisted spaces that were dealing with imminent closure due to difficulties stemming from water damage, blazes and family tragedies, as well as permit problems, legal disputes and sound issues.
Some locations were granted financial assistance in upgrading infrastructure and gear that positively impacted artists and fans.
"The concept that money from performances in big venues helps the local stages, where it kicks off for musicians like me, is just sensible," the star has said.
Fender is far from the only musician to donate his honor winnings to good deeds.
Back when the band won the prize in 1996 for their release Different Class, frontman the singer declared that the act would donate their prize money to the non-profit War Child.
In 2002, rapper and singer the artist shared her prize across several good causes, including the children's charity and a Sickle Cell organization.
"Additionally, I contributed a grand to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics program, because I practiced gymnastics when I was younger and they needed updated gear," Ms Dynamite told a publication.
Two years ago, they donated their funds to the local youth club that developed their band, as well as other local music groups.
Also winners that year they contributed their prize to a MS organization after a acquaintance was identified with the disease.
"Winning was ample," said artist the singer. "The money was the cherry on top but we didn't need the cherry, because we had the cake. So our winning affected another person's life."
Recently, the MVT shared it had saved two local spots in south-east England, by placing them under local control.
The Joiners in the city and The Croft in the city were bought under the public acquisition program, which is backed by the arts council and supporters who purchase "shares" in the venues.
